Recovery Education Centres (REC) offer a new model of providing recovery supports through the use of emancipatory adult education and recovery-oriented service principles. We will describe the findings of our study of the first REC in Canada and one of the few worldwide specifically supporting people transitioning out of homelessness. Within a realist-informed, quasi-experimental design, we conducted 20 semi-structured interviews with REC participants which we analyzed thematically. Participants described low-barrier access and positive, empowering experiences with the REC in contrast to a few positive experiences with other local services. Participants valued peer involvement in curriculum design and delivery, and the self-directed, strengths- and skills-based curriculum, which created a safe and supportive space for role modeling, and positive identity development, allowing for new competencies and self-efficacy to emerge. Results are consistent with the growing evidence on the defining features and benefits of RECs and suggest this model can be successfully extended to support recovery among adults transitioning out of homelessness. In our session, we will introduce a recovery education center for people experiencing homelessness or housing instability. We will discuss our recently published research evaluating key program features and mechanisms of action. We will have a full group discussion of the evidence for recovery education, limitations, and how participants can integrate recovery themes into practice. A small group discussion will follow where attendees will discuss how recovery principles could be integrated into their daily practice. Our session will expose practitioners to the homelessness crisis and our intervention. Participating will increase provider understanding and awareness of recovery education and consider the impact of a recovery model in a marginalized population.
**This content was captured at the 2021 APA Annual Meeting and may reference information from various sources and terminology from previous editions of the DSM.
Learning Objectives
- Describe the purpose of recovery education centers.
- Appreciate the importance of recovery-based education initiatives for homeless and marginally housed individuals.
- Discuss differences between a recovery education center and other services, as identified by adults experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
Target Audience
Psychiatrists, Residents/Fellows
Estimated Time to Complete
Estimated Duration: 90 minutes
Begin Date: October 1, 2022
End Date: September 30, 2025
How to Earn Credit
Participants who wish to earn AMA PRA Category 1 Credit ™ or a certificate of participation may do so by completing all sections of the course including the evaluation. After evaluating the program, course participants will be provided with an opportunity to claim hours of participation and print an official CME certificate (physicians) or certificate of participation (non-physicians) showing the completion date and hours earned.
Continuing Education Credit
The American Psychiatric Association (APA) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
The APA designates this enduring CME activity for a maximum of 0.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Faculty and Planner Disclosures
Program Presenters
- Bushra Khan, MD. Reports no financial relationships with commercial interests.
- Nadine Reid, MD. Reports no financial relationships with commercial interests.
- Vicky Stergiopolous, MD. Reports no financial relationships with commercial interests.
Program Planners
- Jacqueline Maus Feldman, M.D., Chairperson, Scientific Program Committee, Reports no financial relationships with commercial interests.
- Robert O. Cotes, M.D., Vice-Chairperson, Scientific Program Committee, Reports no financial relationships with commercial interests.
- Uchenna Okeye, M.D., Vice-Chairperson, Scientific Program Committee, Reports no financial relationships with commercial interests.
- Katie Putnam, Membership Development Manager, American Psychiatric Association. Reports no financial relationships with commercial interests.
- Ally Brown, Former Associate Director, Online Learning, American Psychiatric Association. Reports no financial relationships with commercial interests.
Accessibility for Participants with Disabilities
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Technical Requirements
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- Internet Explorer 11+
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